EverydayArticle link

How Many People Have Alzheimer’s in the US Now and in the Future?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions of older Americans. Right now, about 6.9 million people age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in the United States, and that number is expected to nearly double by 2060. Understanding the scope of this condition can help you plan for care, find support, and know you are not alone. There are concrete steps you can take today to prepare for the future and connect with resources.

Key points

  • About 6.9 million Americans age 65+ live with Alzheimer’s dementia today; this could reach 13.8 million by 2060.
  • Alzheimer’s affects 1 in 9 seniors; nearly two-thirds are women; Black and Hispanic Americans are at higher risk.
  • Every 65 seconds, someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s.
  • The number of family caregivers is shrinking relative to the number of people with dementia—plan ahead.
  • Free resources are available from the Alzheimer’s Association, including state-specific data and support groups.
  • Younger-onset Alzheimer’s affects about 200,000 Americans under 65—seek specialized care if needed.

Current Prevalence: How Many Have Alzheimer’s Now?

As of the latest data, approximately 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. This number includes about 200,000 people under age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s. The disease affects about 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (11%), and the majority—more than 70%—are age 75 or older. Women are disproportionately affected, making up almost two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s. Additionally, older Black Americans are about twice as likely, and older Hispanic Americans about one and a half times as likely, to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to older White Americans. These numbers come from the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Facts and Figures report, which is updated each year.

Future Projections: What Will the Numbers Look Like?

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to grow dramatically as the population ages. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia could reach 13.8 million, barring any medical breakthroughs that prevent or cure the disease. This projection is based on the aging of the baby boomer generation and increased life expectancy. Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. The economic and caregiving burden is also rising: in 2016, over 15 million family and friends provided 18.2 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at over $230 billion. By 2030, the ratio of family caregivers to older adults needing help is expected to drop from 7:1 to 4:1, meaning fewer caregivers will be available for each person with dementia.

Why These Numbers Matter for You as a Caregiver

These statistics are not just abstract figures—they reflect real people and families. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, you are part of a large and growing community. Understanding the prevalence can help you anticipate future needs, such as the demand for memory care facilities, home health aides, and support groups. It also underscores the importance of planning early: legal, financial, and care plans should be in place while your loved one can still participate in decisions. The Alzheimer’s Association provides state-specific data and resources that can help you connect with local services and advocacy groups.

General caregiving information, not medical advice. Check medications and major care changes with your clinician.

Step-by-step

  1. Download the Alzheimer's Association Facts and Figures report from alz.org/facts and use the state-by-state tool to see local prevalence — bookmark both for reference.

  2. If your loved one is under 65 with symptoms, ask their doctor specifically about younger-onset Alzheimer's; specialized clinics and support groups exist for this group.

  3. Use the shrinking caregiver-to-patient ratio (expected to drop from ~7:1 to ~4:1 by 2030) to motivate family conversations about shared responsibilities and long-term planning now.

  4. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Alzheimer's Association chapter for free support groups; if you are from a community with higher risk (Black or Hispanic families), ask about culturally tailored resources and clinical trials.

  5. Keep a journal or spreadsheet of symptoms, medications, and doctor visits — this is invaluable for clinical discussions and when applying for disability or long-term care benefits.

What not to do

  • Do not assume Alzheimer's only affects the very old — younger-onset cases can begin in a person's 30s or 40s; take cognitive changes seriously and push for evaluation.

  • Do not rely solely on national averages when planning care — prevalence varies significantly by state (e.g., Florida and Texas have higher rates due to older populations), so use local data to find appropriate services.

  • Do not wait until a crisis to build a support network — the caregiver ratio is shrinking, so start now even if your loved one is in early stages.

  • Do not assume the 6.9 million figure captures everyone with memory problems — many with mild cognitive impairment or undiagnosed dementia are not counted, so advocate for a thorough evaluation if you suspect a problem.

  • Do not overlook the higher risk for women — about two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women, so female family members should be proactive about their own cognitive health and regular check-ups.

Practical tools

  • Alzheimer's Association Facts and Figures Report (Free PDF)

    Download the latest annual report from alz.org/facts. It includes national and state-level prevalence data, mortality trends, caregiving statistics, and special reports on healthcare system challenges. Use it to educate yourself and advocate for better services in your area.

  • Alzheimer's Association Community Resource Finder

    Go to alz.org/help to search for in-person and online support groups tailored to specific stages or demographics (early-stage, LGBTQ+, Spanish-language), and to find local chapters and educational programs.

  • Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Resource Center

    Visit alz.org/younger-onset for information on diagnosis, financial planning, and support groups specifically designed for working-age individuals under 65 and their families.

  • Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch

    A free service that matches individuals with Alzheimer's, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to nearby clinical trials and studies based on diagnosis, location, and other criteria. Participating in research is a meaningful way to push for breakthroughs.

  • Brain Health Checklist

    Build a simple checklist from CDC and Alzheimer's Association guidelines: manage blood pressure, exercise regularly, eat a Mediterranean-style diet, stay socially active, and prioritize quality sleep. Use it for both your loved one and your own family.

What is wrong with NAPA's focus on Alzheimer's only?

Start by focusing on what you can control today: connect with the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) for free state-specific data and local support groups that can help you plan for care.

Does losing a parent early in life increase my risk of developing Alzheimer's disease?

Research suggests that early parental loss may increase stress and affect brain health, but it does not guarantee Alzheimer’s. Focus on heart-healthy habits now—like a balanced diet and regular walks—to lower your overall risk.

Is there a connection between Alzheimer's and obesity?

Yes, obesity is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s, likely due to inflammation and vascular damage. Even small, consistent steps—like swapping one snack for fruit or taking a 10-minute walk—can support brain health over time.

How many people die from Alzheimer's disease each year in the U.S.?

Alzheimer’s is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 120,000 deaths annually. This number is projected to rise, so now is the time to connect with local support groups and legal planning services for your peace of mind.

Discuss with your clinician

Ask your doctor: 'Based on my loved one’s age, race, and health history, what is their personal risk of developing Alzheimer’s or another dementia?'

Discuss with your clinician: 'Are there any clinical trials in our area that my loved one might be eligible for, especially those focused on prevention or early treatment?'

If you are a caregiver over 65, ask your own doctor: 'Should I have a baseline cognitive assessment given my family history and the higher prevalence in women?'

For younger-onset concerns: 'What specialists should we see for a comprehensive evaluation, and are there any biomarkers or imaging tests that could help confirm a diagnosis?'

Related guides

Sources